Agro-Invest drives agricultural investments, food security

The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) says significant progress has been made in its mission to strengthen the agricultural sector and address the challenges posed by climate change.

Through a series of strategic partnerships and initiatives, the corporation indicated that it has launched a comprehensive greenhouse rehabilitation project across its agro parks and properties in St Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester.

“These initiatives are integral to Agro-Invest’s broader commitment to strengthening food security, expanding market access, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices,” the corporation added.

Among the initiatives is the Ginger Greenhouse Rehabilitation at Ebony Agro Park in Clarendon, in partnership with JA Spices.

The project, launched in 2023, is aimed at revitalising Jamaica’s spice industry. It focuses on cultivating clean, rhizome-free ginger using Single-Bud technology.

“This initiative is part of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Jamaica Spices Project, which seeks to modernise and strengthen the spice industry through the production of high-quality planting materials for local consumption, export, and value-added products,” Agro-Invest said.

Over the past year, three greenhouses have been rehabilitated: the first by Agro-Invest and the second and third by the JA Spices Project. The project has already seen two successful harvests of clean seedling ginger, which have been distributed to farms across the Ebony Agro Park. The third planting cycle is currently under way, completing the expansion of the third greenhouse.

The initiative is intended to benefit more than 7,500 agricultural stakeholders, including women, youth, and marginalised groups, by creating new economic opportunities and ensuring a sustainable spice sector. In collaboration with ACDI/VOCA, the project is anticipated to strengthen resilience and promote equitable growth.

Another collaboration, this time with World University Service of Canada (WUSC), is the Sweet Potato Planting Material Nursery at Amity Hall Agro Park in St Catherine.

Through a newly signed memorandum of understanding, the two organisations are working together to develop this nursery at the Amity Hall Agro Park in St Catherine. The nursery will focus on producing virus-resistant planting materials, addressing pest and disease pressures that have historically hampered productivity.

Aligned with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining’s New F.A.C.E. of Food initiative — which aims to transform the agri-food system with a focus on food security, agro-processing, climate resilience and export expansion - this collaboration also includes research into biological controls for pest management. WUSC will support the importation of 10 sweet potato varieties from the International Potato Centre in Peru, which will be tested for productivity and pest resistance. The greenhouse renovation is on track for completion by January 2025, laying the groundwork for transformative impacts on sweet potato farming.

Agro-Invest has also commenced rehabilitation of a 12,000-square-foot greenhouse in Coleyville, Manchester. This project aims to attract public-private partnership investors for the cultivation of high-demand vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes and bell peppers, catering to the local grocery channel and expanding hotel industry.

The facility will feature modern technologies, including hydroponics and water-efficient systems, to optimise vegetable production, while minimising environmental impact. By providing a secure and controlled environment, this greenhouse should ensure year-round production, improved crop quality, and protection from adverse weather conditions. It aligns with the growing demand for locally produced vegetables, contributing to the agricultural value chain and bolstering food security.

DRIVING AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY

Agro-Invest said these greenhouse rehabilitation projects reflect its unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural practices, improving food security, and enhancing market access for local farmers. In addition, the corporation noted that through partnerships with JA Spices, ACDI/VOCA, WUSC, and other agricultural investors, it is working to create long-term value for Jamaican farmers and strengthen local food production.

“We are excited about advancing climate-smart agriculture through our greenhouse rehabilitation initiatives,” said Vivion Scully, CEO of Agro-Invest. “These projects not only help mitigate the effects of climate change, but also ensure that Jamaican farmers are equipped with the tools and resources they need to thrive. As we continue to collaborate with our valued partners, we are keen on attracting new investments in agriculture to ensure food security, agricultural sustainability, and the overall growth of the sector.”